The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics opened against the background of an intensifying Middle East war and protests over the return of the Russian flag, prompting some countries to boycott the opening ceremony.
The Russian flag appeared during the nations’ parade on Friday — the first time it has flown at the Paralympics since the 2014 Sochi Games — raising the prospect of a fuller return to Olympic competition ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Some boos were heard as four Russian athletes, dressed in bright red, marched and waved at the ancient Arena di Verona, which was fitted with wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms and other safety upgrades.
For the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russian gold medallists could hear their national anthem on a major global stage. Russian athletes had been initially banned over a state-sponsored doping program, with sanctions persisting after the invasion.
Ukraine was announced to applause, but its athletes did not appear after the nation followed through on a boycott of the ceremony. The International Paralympic Committee said six other countries also planned not to attend for political reasons: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Poland and Lithuania.
Belarus, a close ally of Russia, also returned with its flag and two athletes marching before a nearly full Arena di Verona.
Iran’s flag was absent after its sole competing athlete, Para cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi, withdrew hours before the opening ceremony, unable to reach Italy safely amid the escalating Middle East conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
IPC president Andrew Parsons reflected on the wider context: “Four years ago I said I was horrified at what was happening in the world. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved. In a world where some countries are better known by the names of their leaders, I prefer to know countries by the names of their athletes. Sport offers the world another way forward, another perspective.”
Only about 45 athletes of the more than 600 competitors represented their countries at the ceremony. The Games are spread across different clusters in Italy, so many athletes could not attend because of logistics and early competitions. Americans Laurie Stephens (Para alpine skiing) and Josh Pauls (Para ice hockey) represented the United States in the parade.
Although nations named flagbearers, volunteers carried the flags because many designated bearers were unavailable due to scheduling and training commitments. Videos shown during the parade featured athletes competing at their various venues.
Italian fencing star Bebe Vio brought the Paralympic flame into the arena. Wheelchair athlete Francesca Porcellato lit the cauldron in Cortina d’Ampezzo, while visually impaired alpine skier Gianmaria Dal Maistro lit the cauldron in Milan.
Performers at the Arena di Verona — the first UNESCO World Heritage site to host a Paralympic ceremony — included Stewart Copeland, drummer of the Police, and DJ Miky Bionic, known as the first DJ to perform with a bionic arm.
The Milan-Cortina Games mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics. Athletes will compete in 79 events across six sports, making this the largest Winter Paralympics ever, with a record number of female participants. Curling competitions began on Wednesday.
